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BASAL CELL CARCINOMA is a cancer that begins in the basal cells in the skin's lower epidermis. Striking 1,000,000 Americans annually, basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed form of skin cancer (80% of cases).

April 23rd, 2013 - New York, New York - American Skin Association (ASA) tonight celebrates its 25th anniversary at a gala event honoring leading physicians and scientists who have made groundbreaking discoveries and unique contributions to the field of dermatology and the treatment of skin cancer as well as other devastating skin disorders.

The event’s honorees also include Jean L. Bolognia, MD, Professor of Dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine, Elaine Fuchs, PhD, Rebecca C. Lancefield Professor in Mammalian Cell Biology and Development at The Rockefeller University, and Paul A. Khavari MD, PhD, Professor of Dermatology and Chair of Department of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine.

ASA was founded in 1987 by The Rockefeller University's David Martin Carter, MD, PhD, Herzog Foundation President Peter Bentley, and George W. Hambrick, Jr., MD to represent the interests of skin disease victims and their families. In the past 25 years, ASA’s mission has remained to advance research, champion skin health - particularly among children - and drive public awareness about skin disease. ASA's education program provides free instruction in skin health and sun safety to more than 12 million young people, teachers and parents across the United States.
In addition to raising funds for cutting-edge skin disease research, ASA's Spring Gala helps to underwrite educational outreach programs for students, addressing the leading preventable causes of melanoma, enabling people to be healthier, live longer and be more productive.

ASA Chairman Howard P. Milstein, who is also Chairman and CEO of New York Private Bank & Trust, is presented with the Visionary Leadership Award by ASA’s Board of Directors. Mr. Milstein has brought remarkable growth to the organization, increased its assets and sharpened its focus on cancer and melanoma. As such, he is in the vanguard of those who are working to combat the deadly effects of climate change on the skin.

Corporate Leadership honoree J. Michael Pearson joined Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that specializes in dermatology, in 2008. Under his leadership Valeant has made a number of successful high-profile acquisitions, and its revenues in 2012 reached $3.55 billion. The Wall Street Journal named Mr. Pearson as one of the best CEO’s in 2008.

Karl Dunbar is presented with ASA’s inaugural Trailblazer Award. With a football career that has spanned nearly three decades, Mr. Dunbar spent seven years as an NFL player and mentored numerous star athletes. Despite the challenges of growing up with vitiligo, Mr. Dunbar views the condition as a blessing. He has used his platform as an NFL coach to inform people about vitiligo and has teamed up with the company Coolibar, which specialized in sun-protective clothing, to start his own foundation to help children with low self-esteem.

Howard P. Milstein said: "American Skin Association has been a leading force in championing skin health and funding innovative research to defeat melanoma and other skin diseases. We have supported the vision and drive of 172 outstanding young scientists. Millions of children, teachers and parents in the country benefited from our education program, which promotes skin health and sun safety. As we celebrate 25 years of remarkable accomplishments and honor those who have shared our missions, we offer the deepest gratitude to our generous donors and supporters and look forward to continuing our impactful work for the future."

ASA is also presenting awards to physicians and scientists who have made ground-breaking discoveries and unique contributions to the field of dermatology and the treatment of skin cancer. "I am proud that ASA has recognized these prominent physicians and scientists, dedicated to the fight against serious skin disease," Mr. Milstein said. "Through their innovative work, they embody ASA's mission to make a life-changing difference in critical areas of prevention, detection, treatment and cure."

The event Mistress of Ceremonies is Michelle Charlesworth. Ms. Charlesworth is a reporter and co-anchor of WABC-TV’s popular Eyewitness News Saturday and Sunday Morning. She is probably best known for her award-winning reports on her personal battle with skin cancer. She has been honored with the prestigious Gold Triangle Award for Journalism.

ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION
Led by patients, families and their advocates working with the nation's foremost physicians and scientists, American Skin Association has evolved into an increasingly influential leader in efforts to defeat melanoma and other serious forms of skin disease. For over two decades, its mission has remained to advance research, champion skin health - particularly among young people, and raise public awareness about skin cancer and disease. For more information, visit www.americanskin.org.

American Skin Association (EIN 13-3401320) is a not-for-profit organization recognized as a tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). This website was created in collaboration with The Rockefeller University.